This year’s ceremony will take place on September 24, and marks the fifth edition of the awards, which celebrate the art of music photography while elevating and empowering the talents behind the lens.
Over 24,500 images were submitted from across 42 countries for the 2026 edition, and included shots of Oasis, Charli xcx, Florence + The Machine, FKA Twigs, Fontaines D.C., Ho99o9, Yungblud, Kendrick Lamar, Tame Impala, Billy Idol, Lambrini Girls, Warren Ellis, Sombr, Billie Marten, Amyl and the Sniffers, and Geese.
Previously announced winners so far include New York-based Roberta Bayley, who is receiving the ICON award, having captured shots from across the iconic ‘70s punk movement – including Iggy Pop, the Ramones, Debbie Harry and Blondie, Richard Hell, the Sex Pistols and more.
It has also already been announced that Japanese photographer Masayoshi Sukita will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award – having worked with David Bowie over 44-years, shooting the cover of his ‘Heroes’ album, and creating era-defining images of Iggy Pop, Marc Bolan, Joe Strummer, Yellow Magic Orchestra and David Sylvian.
Categories include Music Moment of the Year, with nominees including Harriet T K Bols, who caught Oasis backstage at their ‘Live ‘25’ shows at Wembley, Jenn Devereaux, who shot Kendrick Lamar at the Superbowl, Jack Oliver, who got a snapshot of Charli XCX burning down the ‘brat’ flag at Glastonbury Festival, and more.
See more pics on NME
